Michael Cacnio : Eclectic

Nearly twenty years in the art scene, TOYM (The Outstanding Young Men) Philippines 2006 awardee, Michael Cacnio, is known to be one of the country's finest brass sculptors today. A Fine Arts graduate from the University of the Philippines, Michael has made himself much loved as a sculptor of the everyday Filipino, depicting children playing traditional games and pastimes such as sungka, luksong baka, tirador (slingshot) and saranggola (kite), or vendors engaged in cheerful and industrious labour like his sorbetero and magtataho. From these to the tender renditions of parent and child in various poses of affection and loving tutelage, his works are inspired by memories of his childhood and everyday scenes of growing up in the town of Malabon.

In "Eclectic," Michael continues to take the noted social realist turn seen in his works of late and exploits the malleability of his material to explore the material needs and desires of his fellow man. In this collection, Michael also shows, for the first time, his paintings on canvas. Their debut, whether as backdrop to his relief or scene against which a small sculpture rests, is evidence of his versatility as an artist.

His works have earned critical acclaim as well as commercial success in the Philippines, Singapore, Europe and USA. Testaments to his strong following in the art world are his successful exhibitions (more than fifty both locally and abroad) and the consistently positive reviews from critics and collectors alike. Among his recent successful outings were his solo exhibits in New York and Brussels in 2007 and his marked participation in the anchor show of the Philippine Art Trek in Singapore in June, 2008.

"Eclectic" runs from November 24 to December 7, 2008 at 1/of Gallery, 2/L Shops at Serendra, Bonifacio Global City. Cocktails on Monday, November 24, 2008 at 7pm. For more information call 901-3152 or email 1of.gallery@gmail.com.

"Subok" by Michael Cacnio (2008).